Smart flooring system

ABSTRACT

Some novel features pertain to a floor coupling structure that includes a first portion, a second portion extending from a first end of the first portion, the second portion for coupling to a first plank portion of a floor plank; and a third portion extending from a second end of the first portion, the third portion for coupling to a second plank portion of the floor plank. In some implementations, the first portion, the second portion and the third portion are a single piece. In some implementations, the floor coupling structure further includes a side protrusion and side slot, the side slot configured to couple to another protrusion of a first coupling structure, the side protrusion configured to coupled to another side slot of a second coupling structure. In some implementations, the second portion is a first coupling portion and the third portion is a second coupling portion.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/654,525, titled “Smart Flooring System”, filed Jun. 1, 2012,which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

At least one feature pertains to a smart flooring system and apparatus.

2. Background of Invention

Wood flooring is a very common flooring material in homes. In additionto being a very practical material, wood is also very aestheticallypleasing. Wood flooring can come in many styles, sizes, shapes, andtypes.

There are generally two types of wood flooring, solid wood andengineered wood. Solid wood, which is also called hardwood, is flooringmaterial made from a single piece of timber. In contrast, engineeredwood is made of multiple layers of materials. Specifically, engineeredwood has several layers, including a top layer and a core layer. The toplayer is sometimes referred to as the lamella layer. The top layer isthe layer that is visible. The core layer is the layer underneath thetop layer and is usually invisible once the engineered wood flooring isinstalled. Laminate wood flooring is an example of an engineered wood.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a portion of a typical wood floor afterinstallation. As shown in this figure, the wood floor 100 is made of atleast several planks of wood 110 a-m. These planks of woods 110 a-m canbe either solid wood or engineered wood. As shown in FIG. 1 the planksof wood 110 a-m are installed on the floor in a staggered manner.Staggering the placement of the wood planks helps prevent the woodplanks from moving after installation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a portion of a typical wood floorafter installation. As shown in this figure, the wood floor 200 isinstalled over a foundation 210. In some instances, the foundation 210is a concrete foundation. However, the foundation 210 can be any surfacethat a wood floor can be installed on. The wood floor 200 includes fourwood planks 220-250. These four wood planks 220-250 are interconnectedto each other side by side.

As shown in FIG. 2, each wood plank 220-250 has a male portion and afemale portion. The wood planks 220-250 are interconnected to each otherthrough these male and female portions. For example, the female portionof wood plank 220 is connected to the male portion of wood plank 230.Additionally, the female portion of wood plank 230 is connected to themale portion of wood plank 240. Finally, the female portion of woodplank 240 is connected to the male portion of wood plank 250. To securethe wood floor 200 to the foundation 210 some sort of glue may beapplied between the foundation 210 and the base of the wood planks220-250. Alternatively, or in conjunction, the wood planks 220-250 maybe securely attached to the foundation 210 by driving a nail througheach wood plank 220-250.

The downside to the above conventional method is that it is a verypermanent installation. In order words, it's an installation processthat cannot be undone without taking apart the entire wood floor.Through the course of normal use, a wood floor will go through wear andtear. In some instances, certain portions of the wood floor may even getdamaged. For example, one of the planks may get scratched or cracked.Because the wood planks are glued and/or nailed to the foundation andinterlocked to each other, it's not possible to simply replace thedamaged plank. Instead, the entire wood floor would need to be replaced.This is not practical and not cost effective, especially if the damageis minor or localized.

Consequently, what is needed is a method/system for flooring that iseasy to install, cost effective, easy to replace and repair.

SUMMARY

Various features relate to a smart flooring system and apparatus.

A first example provides a floor coupling structure that includes afirst portion, a second portion extending from a first end of the firstportion, the second portion for coupling to a first plank portion of afloor plank; and a third portion extending from a second end of thefirst portion, the third portion for coupling to a second plank portionof the floor plank.

According to an aspect, the first portion, the second portion and thethird portion are a single piece.

According to one aspect, the floor coupling structure further includes aside protrusion and side slot, the side slot configured to couple toanother protrusion of a first coupling structure, the side protrusionconfigured to coupled to another side slot of a second couplingstructure.

According to an aspect, the first portion is a base portion configuredto be positioned on a floor.

According to one aspect, the first portion is a base portion configuredto be positioned on a wall. In some implementations, the second portionis a first coupling portion and the third portion is a second couplingportion.

A second example provides an apparatus that includes a base portionconfigured to be positioned on a floor, a first portion extending from afirst end of the base portion, the first portion for coupling to a firstplank portion of a floor plank, and a second portion extending from asecond end of the base portion, the second portion for coupling to asecond plank portion of the floor plank.

According to an aspect, the first portion includes a first end memberand a second end member, wherein the second portion comprises a thirdend member and a fourth end member. In some implementations, the firstend member of the first portion is for coupling to the first plankportion of the floor plank. In some implementations, the third endmember of the second portion is for coupling to the second plank portionof the floor plank. In some implementations, the first end member of thefirst portion is a living hinge. In some implementations, the apparatusis for coupling to another apparatus. In some implementations, theanother apparatus includes another base portion, another first portionextending from another first end of the another base portion, theanother first portion for coupling to another first plank portion ofanother floor plank; and another second portion extending from anothersecond end of the another base portion, the another second portion forcoupling to another second plank portion of the another floor plank. Insome implementations, the another first portion comprises another firstend member and another second end member, wherein the another secondportion comprises another third end member and another fourth endmember. In some implementations, the second end member of the firstportion is for coupling to the another fourth end member of the anothersecond portion.

According to one aspect, the first portion includes a male portion forcoupling to the first plank portion of a floor plank, wherein the firstplank portion is a first female portion, wherein the second portionincludes another male portion for coupling to the second plank portionof the floor plank, wherein the second plank portion is a second femaleportion.

According to an aspect, the base portion, the first portion and thesecond portion is a single piece.

According to one aspect, the base portion, the first portion and thesecond portion are made of Polypropylene (“PP”).

According to an aspect, the floor plank is a wood floor plank.

According to one aspect, the base portion comprises at least onechannel.

DRAWINGS

Various features, nature and advantages may become apparent from thedetailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which like reference characters identify correspondinglythroughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional flooring system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary novel flooring system.

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an exemplary sequence for installing couplingstructures and planks

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an exemplary sequence for installing couplingstructures, planks and replacing/repairing a plank.

FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary coupling structures.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary coupling structure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary combination of a plank and a couplingstructure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a view of an exemplary combination of a plank and acoupling structure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a view of an exemplary combination of a plank and acoupling structure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a view of an exemplary combination of a plank and acoupling structure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a closeup view of two coupling structures coupled ata coupling point/region.

FIG. 15 illustrates yet another exemplary combination of a plank and acoupling structure.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary sequence for installing couplingstructures and planks.

FIG. 17 illustrates another exemplary sequence for installing couplingstructures and planks.

FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary combination of coupling structures andplanks.

FIG. 19 illustrates another exemplary combination of coupling structuresand planks.

FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary side view of a plank.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary plan view (e.g., bottom view) of aplank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplatedmodes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be takenin a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustratingthe general principles of the invention.

Overview

Some novel features pertain to a floor coupling structure that includesa first portion, a second portion extending from a first end of thefirst portion, the second portion configured for coupling to a firstplank portion of a floor plank; and a third portion extending from asecond end of the first portion, the third portion configured forcoupling to a second plank portion of the floor plank. In someimplementations, the first portion, the second portion and the thirdportion are a single piece. In some implementations, the floor couplingstructure further includes a side protrusion and side slot, the sideslot configured to couple to another protrusion of a first couplingstructure, the side protrusion configured to coupled to another sideslot of a second coupling structure. In some implementations, the firstportion is a base portion configured to be positioned on a floor. Insome implementations, the first portion is a base portion configured tobe positioned on a wall. In some implementations, the second portion isa first coupling portion and the third portion is a second couplingportion.

Exemplary Flooring Structure

FIGS. 3-4 illustrate an embodiment of a wood flooring system that can beused. As shown in FIG. 3, the wood flooring system 300 includes severalcoupling structures 310-340. The coupling structures 310-340 arepositioned on the foundation 350 in an interlocking manner. Eachcoupling structure 310-340 has a first interlocking portion and a secondinterlocking portion. In some embodiments, the first interlockingportion is a male interlocking portion (e.g., male coupling portion) andthe second interlocking portion is a female interlocking portion (e.g.,female coupling portion).

As shown in FIG. 3, the female interlocking portion of couplingstructure 310 is connected to the male interlocking portion of couplingstructure 320. Similarly, the female interlocking portion of couplingstructure 320 is connected to the male interlocking portion of couplingstructure 330, and the female interlocking portion of coupling structure330 is connected to the male interlocking portion of coupling structure340. Once the coupling structures 310-340 of the wood floor system 300are positioned into place, then a wood floor can be installed on top ofit.

FIG. 4 illustrates a wood floor system after the installation of thewood floor. As shown in this figure, the wood floor system 300 includescoupling structures 310-340 and wood planks 410-440. Each wood plank iscoupled to a respective coupling structure. For instances, wood plank410 is coupled to coupling structure 310, wood plank 420 is coupled tocoupling structure 320, wood plank 430 is coupled to coupling structure330, and wood plank 440 is coupled to coupling structure 340.

Examples of coupling portions (e.g., male and female coupling portions)will be further described in at least FIG. 10.

Different embodiments may use different types of wood planks. Someembodiments may use solid wood planks, engineered wood planks or anycombination thereof. In addition, each coupling structure of the woodfloor system may be installed on the foundation 350 in a staggeredmanner.

Utilizing this system has several advantages over conventional flooring.First, it is very easy to install. Unlike conventional flooring, no glueor nails are required to securely fasten the floor system to thefoundation. This is because in some embodiments, the coupling structuresare made of plastic, which has a higher coefficient of friction thanwood. As a result, the floor system is less likely to move, even withoutthe glue or nails. Thus, by taking away the glue and nails, this systemin some embodiments is much easier to install then conventionalflooring. In addition, one advantage of bypassing the use of glue and/ornails is that they don't produce as much noise after installing. Woodtends to expand and contract with different temperatures and pressurecondition. When conventional flooring is used with glue and/or nails,the contraction and expansion of the wood causes friction and noise.Under the novel flooring system, the expansion and contraction of thewood does not cause as much noise, if any, since the flooring system isable to move, expand, and/or contract separately from the wood, and/orfoundation. Moreover, when all the coupling structures and planks arecoupled together, it essentially forms one strong structure/structuralpiece that is very unlikely to move (e.g., due to the combined weight ofthe structure/structural piece).

Second, the coupling structure acts as a padding and/or insulator forthe floor. Depending on the material that is used as the couplingstructure, the coupling structure adds another layer between thefoundation and the wood floor. This extra layer can provide extracushioning and/or insulation from the heat or cold temperature thatmight radiate from or to the foundation. In some instances, the couplingstructure may also provide ventilation of the floor.

Third, because there is no glue or nails that permanently affix the woodplanks, the floor can be easily removed, replaced or fixed withouthaving to take apart the entire floor. An example of how to replace awood plank will be further described below.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a sequence of how a wood flooring system allows forthe replacement of a wood plank. As shown in FIG. 5, the wood flooringsystem 500 includes several wood planks and coupling structures. Asillustrated in this figure, the wood plank 510 is damaged (e.g., deepscratch). In some embodiments, when the wood plank 510 is damaged, thewood plank 510 is simply detached from its corresponding couplingstructure 520. Different embodiments may remove the wood plank 510differently. In some implementations, the wood plank 510 may need to bebroken in order to be removed.

FIG. 6 illustrates the wood flooring system after the damaged wood plank520 has been removed. As shown in this figure, all of the other couplingstructures and wood planks from the wood flooring system 500 are stillin place, including the coupling structure 520.

FIG. 7 illustrates the wood flooring system after a replacement woodplank has been installed. As shown in the figure, a wood plank 700 hasbeen installed in the wood flooring system 500 and is coupled of thecoupling structure 520. The wood plank 700 replaces the wood plank 510that was damaged and removed from the wood flooring system.

Thus, it is apparent that the above flooring system is advantageous andsuperior to what is currently being used in homes and/or offices. Inaddition to being cost effective, replaceable and repairable, the aboveflooring system is also very easy to install, thereby foregoing the needto hire professional installers.

FIGS. 3-7 illustrate a few examples of how a coupling structure of afloor system may be designed. However, different embodiments may usedifferent designs.

FIG. 8 illustrates other examples of coupling structure designs that maybe used in the floor system of the present invention. In someembodiments, the coupling structure may include hollow channels 800,which allow air to circulate in the coupling structure. These channelsmay help with the insulation of the floor as well as help provide asofter feel or spring like feel to the floor. In some embodiments, thesechannels may also help ventilate the floor and help in the drying of thefloor (e.g., when liquid is spilled). In some implementations, thechannels may be cavities in a base portion of the coupling structure.These hollow channels (e.g., cavities) may be located in any of thecoupling structures described in the present application.

In addition to the channels, different embodiments of the couplingstructures may use different combinations of male and femalelocking/coupling mechanisms (e.g., coupling portions) to securely couplethe coupling structures to either the wood planks and/or other couplingstructures.

The embodiments shown in FIG. 8 are merely conceptual illustrations ofdifferent embodiments of coupling structures and are not intended to beexact representations of the coupling structures, including thedifferent combinations male and female locking mechanisms. Although someembodiments may use the above configuration as exactly shown.

Having described a coupling structure in general, a specific embodimentwill now be described.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a coupling structure used in floorsystem of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the couplingstructure 900 includes a first portion 910, a second portion 920 and athird portion 930. In some embodiments, the first portion 910, thesecond portion 920 and the third portion 930 are a single piece. Inother embodiments, the first portion 910, the second portion 920 and thethird portion 930 are at least two different pieces. In someimplementations, the second portion 920 is a first coupling portion 920.In some implementations, the first coupling portion 920 is a malecoupling portion. In some implementations, the third portion 930 is asecond coupling portion 930. In some implementations, the secondcoupling portion 930 is a female coupling portion configured to receivea male coupling portion.

As shown in FIG. 9, the second portion 920 includes a first member 940and a second member 950. The third portion 930 includes a third member960 and a fourth member 970.

The first member 940 is for coupling to a first portion of a wood floorplank (not shown). The second member 950 is for coupling to acorresponding member of another coupling structure that is adjacent tothe right of the coupling structure 900. In some embodiments, thecorresponding member is similar to the fourth member 970.

The third member 960 is for coupling to a second portion of a wood floorplank (not shown). The fourth member 970 is for coupling to acorresponding member of yet another coupling structure that is adjacentto the left of the coupling structure 900. In some embodiments, thecorresponding member is similar to the second member 950.

As further shown in FIG. 9, the first portion 910 includes severalchannels 980 a-c. In some embodiments, these channels 980 a-c allow airto circulate underneath the coupling structure and/or provide someinsulation.

Having described a specific embodiment of a coupling structure, anotherspecific embodiment will now be described.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a floor system ofthe present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, the floor system 1000includes a coupling structure 1010 and a plank 1020. In someembodiments, the plank 1020 is a wood floor plank. The plank 1020includes a first plank portion/slot 1030 and a second plank portion/slot1040. The first and second plank portions/slots 1030-1040 may be slotsand/or grooves in the side of the plank 1020. Different implementationsmay use different shapes for the slots and/or grooves.

The coupling structure 1010 includes a first portion 1050, a secondportion 1060 and a third portion 1070. In some embodiments, the firstportion 1050, the second portion 1060 and the third portion 1070 are asingle piece. In other embodiments, the first portion 1050, the secondportion 1060 and the third portion 1070 are at least two differentpieces. In some implementations, the second portion 1060 is a firstcoupling portion 1060. In some implementations, the first couplingportion 1060 is a male coupling portion. In some implementations, thethird portion 1070 is a second coupling portion 1070. In someimplementations, the second coupling portion 1070 is a female couplingportion configured to receive a male coupling portion.

As shown in FIG. 10, the second portion 1060 (e.g., first couplingportion) includes a first member 1062 and a second member 1064. In someimplementations, the second member 1064 is an upper coupling portion(e.g., top coupling portion). The third portion 1070 (e.g., secondcoupling portion) includes a third member 1072 and a fourth member 1074.In some implementations, third member 1072 is hinge (e.g., livinghinge). In some implementations, the fourth member 1074 is base couplingportion. In some implementations, the base coupling portion of a firstcoupling structure is configured to be coupled to an upper couplingportion of a second coupling structure.

The first member 1062 (e.g., first plank coupling member/portion) isconfigured for coupling to the first plank portion 1030 of the floorplank 1020. The first member 1062 may have one or more beveled corner insome implementations. In some implementations, the one or more beveledcorners allow the plank 1000 to more easily couple to the couplingstructure 1010. The second member 1064 is configured for coupling to acorresponding member of another coupling structure (e.g., secondcoupling structure) that is adjacent to the right of the couplingstructure 1010. In some embodiments, the corresponding member is similarto the fourth member 1074. In other words, in some implementations, thesecond member 1064 is configured to be coupled to a fourth member ofanother coupling structure.

As further shown in FIG. 10, the second member 1064 has a T-shape andincludes a channel 1066. The T-shape of the second member 1064 allowsthe second member (and consequently the coupling structure 1010) tosecurely couple to another coupling structure (e.g., second couplingstructure), without the second member 1064 of the coupling structure1010 sliding out. In some embodiments, the channel 1066 allows a user tovisually see the center of the second member 1064. The usefulness of thechannel 1066 will further be described below in FIG. 14.

The third member 1072 (e.g., second plank coupling member/portion) isconfigured for coupling to the second plank portion 1040 of the floorplank 1020. In some embodiments, the third member 1072 is a livinghinge, which allows the third member 1072 to flexibly move and/or pivotabout a base. The fourth member 1074 is configured for coupling to acorresponding member of yet another coupling structure that is adjacentto the left of the coupling structure 1010. In some embodiments, thecorresponding member of the other coupling structure (e.g., secondcoupling structure) is similar to the second member 1064. More specificexamples of the use multiple coupling structures (e.g., first and secondcoupling structures) and multiple planks (e.g., first and second planks)will be further described in FIGS. 16-17.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate different angled views of an embodiment of thefloor system of FIG. 10. Specifically, FIGS. 11-13 illustrate thecoupling structure 101 and the plank 1020 from differentviews/perspectives.

FIG. 14 illustrates a close up view of how two coupling structures canbe coupled to each other. As shown in FIG. 14, a first couplingstructure 1410 and a second coupling structure 1420 are coupled to eachother. The first coupling structure 1410 includes a first member 1430and a second member 1440. In some implementations, the first member 1430and the second member 1440 are part of a first coupling portion of thefirst coupling structure 1410. The second coupling structure 1420includes a third member 1450 and a fourth member 1460. In someimplementations, the third member 1450 and the fourth member 1460 arepart of a second coupling portion of the second coupling structure 1420.

The third member 1450 is a living hinge in some embodiments. The livinghinge can move flexibly and/or pivot about a base.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the second member 1440 and the fourth member1460 are coupled to each other, which effectively couples the firstcoupling structure 1410 and the second coupling structure 1420 together.The second member 1440 has a T-shape. In some embodiments, the T-shapeof the second member 1440 (e.g., upper coupling portion) is configuredto allow the second member 1440 to securely latch/couple/lock to thefourth member 1460 (e.g., base coupling portion).

In some embodiments, a pin, nail or screwdriver may also be used tofurther secure the second member 1440 to the fourth member 1460. To helpin the alignment of the pin, nail and/or screwdriver, a channel 1442located on the second member 1440 may be used to indicate where toinsert the pin, nail and/or screwdriver.

In other embodiments, the coupling structure may include more than oneliving hinge. FIG. 15 illustrates a coupling structure 1500 thatincludes two living hinges 1510-1520. As shown in this figure, theliving hinges 1510-1520 are used to couple the coupling structure 1500to a plank 1020. In some implementations, the living hinges 1510-1520may be configured to couple to slots (e.g., first and secondportions/slot 1030-1040) in the side (e.g., first side, second side) ofthe plank 1020. In some implementations, each hinge is flexible and maypivot about a base. Moreover, each living hinge may be offset from ay-axis.

FIG. 15 illustrates a close up view section 1530, which shows a close upview of the living hinge 1510. As shown in this figure, the living hinge1510 is off by angle of θ degrees from a y-axis. Different embodimentsmay use living hinges with different degrees. In some embodiments, afirst living hinge may have a first offset degree, while a second livinghinge may have a second offset degree.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary method for installing a floor system insome implementations. As shown in FIG. 16, a first coupling structure1602 is provided. In some implementations, the first coupling structureis one of the coupling structures (e.g., coupling structures 310, 900,1010, 1500) described in the present disclosure. The first couplingstructure 1602 includes a first coupling portion 1620 and a secondcoupling portion 1622. In some implementations, the first couplingportion 1620 is similar and/or the same as the coupling portion 1070 ofFIG. 10. In some implementations, the second coupling portion 1622 issimilar and/or the same as the coupling portion 1060 of FIG. 10.

Next, a second coupling structure 1604 is provided. The second couplingstructure 1604 includes a third coupling portion 1630 and a fourthcoupling portion 1632. In some implementations, the third couplingportion 1630 is similar and/or the same as the coupling portion 1070 ofFIG. 10. In some implementations, the fourth coupling portion 1632 issimilar and/or the same as the coupling portion 1060 of FIG. 10.

The second coupling structure 1604 is coupled to the first couplingstructure 1602. As shown in FIG. 2, the second coupling portion 1622 iscoupled to the third coupling portion 1630. Different implementationsmay couple the second coupling structure 1604 to the first couplingstructure 1602 differently. For example, in some implementations, thesecond coupling structure 1604 may be clipped and/or slid into a portionof the first coupling structure 1602. For example, the second couplingportion 1622 is coupled to the third coupling portion 1630. Although notshown, additional coupling structures (e.g., third coupling structure,fourth coupling structure) may be provided to cover a portion or all ofa floor and/or wall.

Once a desired number of coupling structures are provided and coupled toeach other, one or more planks may be provided. In some implementations,the first plank is one of the planks (e.g., planks 220, 700, 1020)described in the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 16, a first plank1610 is provided and coupled to the first coupling structure 1602. Next,a second plank 1612 is provided and coupled to the second couplingstructure 1604. Although not shown, additional planks (e.g., thirdplank, fourth plank) may be provided and coupled to additional couplingstructures. In some implementations, the design of the planks providespressure at the coupling points/joints of the coupling structures,thereby providing additional secure coupling between couplingstructures. This ensures that the coupling structures do not separate orcome apart in some implementations. It should be noted that the order inwhich the planks and/or coupling structures are coupled (e.g., attached)together in FIG. 16 is merely exemplary. In some implementations, theorder/sequence can be different, depending on the preference of theperson installing the coupling structures and/or planks, and/ordepending on the layout of the room/floor/wall. In some implementations,the installation of the coupling structures and/or planks may be fromleft to right or right to left.

In some implementations, one or more the planks may include a protrusionand slot. In some implementations, the protrusion may be referred to asa tongue. In some implementations, the slot may be referred to as agroove. These protrusions and slots may provide additional couplingpoints/regions to further ensure a secure and reliable fit of the planksin some implementations.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a sequence of coupling structures andplanks that includes a protrusion and slot being installed.Specifically, FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary sequence for installing afirst coupling structure 1702, a second coupling structure 1704, a firstplank 1710, and a second plank 1712. The second coupling structure 1704is coupled to the first coupling structure 1702. The first plank 1710 iscoupled to the first coupling structure 1702 and the second plank 1712is coupled to the second coupling structure 1704.

As shown in FIG. 17, the second coupling structure 1704 is provided(e.g., put on a floor), and then the first coupling structure 1702 iscoupled to the second coupling structure 1702. The first couplingstructure 1702 includes a first coupling portion 1740 and a secondcoupling portion 1742. In some implementations, the first couplingportion 1740 is similar and/or the same as the coupling portion 1070 ofFIG. 10. In some implementations, the second coupling portion 1742 issimilar and/or the same as the coupling portion 1060 of FIG. 10.

The second coupling structure 1704 includes a third coupling portion1730 and a fourth coupling portion 1732. In some implementations, thethird coupling portion 1730 is similar and/or the same as the couplingportion 1070 of FIG. 10. In some implementations, the fourth couplingportion 1732 is similar and/or the same as the coupling portion 1060 ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 17 illustrates that the second coupling portion 1742 of the firstcoupling structure 1702 is coupled to the third coupling portion 1730 ofthe second coupling structure 1704. Next, the second plank 1712 isprovided and coupled to the second coupling structure 1704. Once thesecond plank 1712 is coupled, the first plank 1710 is provided andcoupled to the first coupling structure 1710. Although not shown,additional coupling structures (e.g., third coupling structure, fourthcoupling structure) and additional planks (e.g., third plank, fourthplank) may be provided. In some implementations, the design of theplanks provides pressure at the coupling points/joints (e.g., regionwhere coupling portions meet) of the coupling structures, therebyproviding additional secure coupling between the coupling structures.This ensures that the coupling structures do not separate or come apartin some implementations. It should be noted that the order in which theplanks and/or coupling structures are coupled (e.g., attached) togetherin FIG. 17 is merely exemplary. In some implementations, theorder/sequence can be different, depending on the preference of theperson installing the coupling structures and/or planks, and/ordepending on the layout of the room/floor/wall. In some implementations,the installation of the coupling structures and/or planks may be fromleft to right or right to left.

The first plank 1710 includes a first protrusion 1720 and a first slot1722. The second plank 1712 includes a second protrusion 1724 (e.g.,tongue) and a second slot 1726 (e.g., groove). The protrusions and slotsare located on the side of the planks. As shown in FIG. 17, the firstplank 1710 is coupled to the second plank 1712. Specifically, the firstslot 1722 of the first plank 1710 is coupled to the second protrusion1724 of the second plank 1712. In some implementations, the first slot1722 (e.g., groove) is configured to receive the second protrusion 1724(e.g., tongue).

As mentioned above, the slots (e.g., groove0 are located on the side ofthe planks. However, in some implementations, the slots may be locatedon a different side/portion of the planks. For example, the slots may belocated on the bottom portion of the planks, as illustrates in FIG. 18.As shown in FIG. 18, the first plank 1802 and the second plank 1804 eachincludes several slots. Specifically, the first plank 1802 includes afirst bottom slot 1810, a second bottom slot 1812, and a third bottomslot 1814. The second plank 1812 includes a fourth bottom slot 1820, afifth bottom slot 1822, and a sixth bottom slot 1824. FIG. 18illustrates that the bottom slots traverse the length of the planks.However, in some implementations, the bottom slots may traverse thewidth of the planks. In some implementations, some bottom slots maytraverse the length of the planks while other bottom slots may traversethe width of the planks. In addition, some or all of the bottom slotsmay traverse part of the length and/or width of the planks. In someimplementations, some or all of the bottom slots may traverse the plankdiagonally (e.g., 45 degrees). Different implementations may usedifferent number of bottom slots.

In some implementations, the bottom slots allow for the easy removal ofthe plank, should the plank need to be repaired/removed. Specifically,in some implementations, the bottom slots allow the planks to be easilycracked/broken, thus facilitating the removal of the plank. This may bedone in case a plank needs to be repaired/replaced. The bottom slotsprovide one or more weak points in the plank, and when substantialpressure is applied (e.g., by using a chisel, hammer), the plank maycrack/break along the bottom slot(s), and thereby allows the plank to beeasily separated and removed from the other planks and/or couplingstructures.

In some implementations, a plank may include bottom slots, side slotsand side protrusions. FIG. 19 illustrates an example of planks thatincludes such bottom slots, side slots and side protrusions.Specifically, FIG. 19 illustrates a first coupling structure 1902, asecond coupling structure 1904, a first plank 1910, and a second plank1912. The second coupling structure 1904 is coupled to the firstcoupling structure 1902. The first plank 1910 is coupled to the firstcoupling structure 1902 and the second plank 1912 is coupled to thesecond coupling structure 1904.

The first plank 1910 includes a first protrusion 1920 and a first slot1922. The second plank 1912 includes a second protrusion 1924 and asecond slot 1926. The protrusions and slots are located on the side ofthe planks. As shown in FIG. 19, the first plank 1910 is coupled to thesecond plank 1912. Specifically, the first slot 1922 of the first plank1910 is coupled to the second protrusion 1924 of the second plank 1912.In some implementations, the first slot 1922 is configured to receivethe second protrusion 1924.

FIG. 19 also illustrates that the first plank 1902 includes a firstbottom slot 1930, a second bottom slot 1932, and a third bottom slot1944. The second plank 1912 includes a fourth bottom slot 1940, a fifthbottom slot 1942, and a sixth bottom slot 1944. FIG. 19 illustrates thatthe bottom slots traverse the length of the planks. However, in someimplementations, the bottom slots may traverse the width of the planks.In some implementations, some bottom slots may traverse the length ofthe planks while other bottom slots may traverse the width of theplanks. In addition, some or all of the bottom slots may traverse partof the length and/or width of the planks. In some implementations, someor all of the bottom slots may traverse the plank diagonally (e.g., 45degrees). Different implementations may use different number of bottomslots.

FIGS. 20-21 illustrate a side view and plan view of an exemplary plankin some implementations. Specifically, FIGS. 20-21 illustrates a firstplank 2010 that includes a first protrusion 2020, a first slot 1922, afirst bottom slot 2030, a second bottom slot 2032, and a third bottomslot 2044. FIG. 21 illustrates that the bottom slots traverse the lengthof the plank. However, in some implementations, the bottom slots maytraverse the width of the planks. In some implementations, some bottomslots may traverse the length of the planks while other bottom slots maytraverse the width of the planks. In addition, some or all of the bottomslots may traverse part of the length and/or width of the planks. Insome implementations, some or all of the bottom slots may traverse theplank diagonally (e.g., 45 degrees). Different implementations may usedifferent number of bottom slots.

One or more of the components and functions illustrated in FIGS. 1-21may be rearranged and/or combined into a single component or embodied inseveral components without departing from the invention.

Different embodiments may use different materials for the couplingstructure/floor coupling structure. For example, some embodiments mayuse Polypropylene (“PP”), Polyethylene (“PE”), Polyvinyl chloride(“PVC”) or any other hard or soft plastics. In addition, someembodiments may use an alloy, such as aluminum, a metal, or rubber asthe coupling structure. A combination or mixture of any of the abovematerials may also be used. For example, different portions/members ofthe coupling structure may have different materials in some embodiments.

Different embodiments may manufacture the coupling structuredifferently. Some embodiments may use extrusion or molding tomanufacture the coupling structure. In addition, some embodiments, mayapply some sort of padding between the foundation and the couplingstructure. The padding may be any soft material, including a softplastic or rubber. The padding material may add an insulating layer tothe floor system. The padding material may also provide a levelingmechanism for the coupling structure, in some embodiments. Although, theabove floor system is described for a wood floor, the above system canalso be applied to other types of flooring materials. In someembodiments, the floor system may be applied to carpet and tiles. Itshould also be noted that the above apparatus, system, couplingstructures and/or planks can be used and/or applied to walls in someimplementations.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention is not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications mayoccur to those ordinarily skilled in the art. For example, the size anddimensions are merely examples.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a base portionconfigured to be positioned on a floor; a first portion extending from afirst end of the base portion, the first portion for coupling to a firstplank portion of a floor plank; and a second portion extending from asecond end of the base portion, the second portion for coupling to asecond plank portion of the floor plank.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first portion comprises a first end member and a second endmember, wherein the second portion comprises a third end member and afourth end member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first endmember of the first portion is configured for coupling to the firstplank portion of the floor plank.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, whereinthe third end member of the second portion is configured for coupling tothe second plank portion of the floor plank.
 5. The apparatus of claim3, wherein the first end member of the first portion is a living hinge.6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus is configured forcoupling to another apparatus.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein theanother apparatus comprises: another base portion; another first portionextending from another first end of the another base portion, theanother first portion is configured for coupling to another first plankportion of another floor plank; and another second portion extendingfrom another second end of the another base portion, the another secondportion is configured for coupling to another second plank portion ofthe another floor plank.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein theanother first portion comprises another first end member and anothersecond end member, wherein the another second portion comprises anotherthird end member and another fourth end member.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the second end member of the first portion isconfigured for coupling to the another fourth end member of the anothersecond portion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portionincludes a male portion configured for coupling to the first plankportion of a floor plank, wherein the first plank portion is a firstfemale portion, wherein the second portion includes another male portionconfigured for coupling to the second plank portion of the floor plank,wherein the second plank portion is a second female portion.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the base portion, the first portion andthe second portion is a single piece.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the base portion, the first portion and the second portion aremade of Polypropylene (“PP”).
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thefloor plank is a wood floor plank.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe base portion comprises at least one channel.
 15. A floor couplingstructure comprising: a first portion; a second portion extending from afirst end of the first portion, the second portion configured forcoupling to a first plank portion of a floor plank; and a third portionextending from a second end of the first portion, the third portionconfigured for coupling to a second plank portion of the floor plank.16. The floor coupling structure of claim 15, wherein the first portion,the second portion and the third portion are a single piece.
 17. Thefloor coupling structure of claim 15 further comprising a sideprotrusion and side slot, the side slot configured to couple to anotherprotrusion of a first coupling structure, the side protrusion configuredto coupled to another side slot of a second coupling structure.
 18. Thefloor coupling structure of claim 15, wherein the first portion is abase portion configured to be positioned on a floor.
 18. The floorcoupling structure of claim 15, wherein the first portion is a baseportion configured to be positioned on a wall.
 19. The floor couplingstructure of claim 15, wherein the second portion is a first couplingportion and the third portion is a second coupling portion.
 20. Thefloor coupling structure of claim 19, wherein the first coupling portionis a female coupling portion and the second coupling portion is a malecoupling portion.